Sooners hoping to redshirt Drew Allen

Oklahoma coaches remain positive about the future of freshman quarterback Drew Allen, a former standout at Alamo Heights who apparently will redshirt this season if everything goes according to plan.

The best-case-scenario for the Sooners is to have second-year freshman Landry Jones play until 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford returns from a sprained shoulder.

The timetable on Bradford’s return is unclear, but he is expected to be ready within a month.

In the meantime, OU coaches don’t want to burn a year of Allen’s eligibility. That’s why junior walkon John Nimmo replaced Jones during garbage time of the Sooners’ blowout victory over Idaho State last week.

In a pinch, Allen would be ready this year if the Sooners needed his services, OU coach Bob Stoops said

“He’s done a nice job,” Stoops said. “He was in a really good competition with Landry (for the No. 2 spot) coming into the year, during the spring and summer, and has progressed well.

“We are happy with the way he’s working and progressing, and, yes, I believe he would be able to go in and play if he had to. Right now, we’re hoping that that’s not the case.”

Bradford sprained his right (throwing) shoulder in the first half of the Sooners’ 14-13 loss to Brigham Young on Sept. 5.